Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Town of Hempstead is gearing up to turn Game 5 of the NBA Finals into a full-scale community celebration, as Supervisor John Ferretti announced details of free watch parties inviting residents to rally behind the New York Knicks in their push for a historic championship.
With the Knicks facing the San Antonio Spurs in a high-stakes Finals matchup, excitement has reached a fever pitch across Long Island as fans embrace what has become an impressive postseason run. The Knicks have pulled off historical comebacks and wins in the last seconds of extremely close games. The upcoming Game 5 showdown on Saturday, June 13, will be broadcast at two town-hosted locations, offering residents a chance to gather, cheer, and experience the Finals together in a family-friendly setting.
Supervisor John Ferretti formally unveiled the events, which are free and open to the public. This is part of the town’s continued effort to bring large-scale community programming to residents of all ages.
“This is about community, energy, and bringing people together,” Ferretti said in announcing the initiative. “The Knicks’ run has electrified fans across the region, and we want everyone to be able to experience these moments together right here in the Town of Hempstead.”
Fans of the New York Knicks will have two viewing options for Game 5 against the San Antonio Spurs:
At the Malibu Shore Club in Lido Beach (1500 Lido Boulevard), attendees will enjoy a waterfront atmosphere featuring live entertainment by That 70’s Band, adding a nostalgic soundtrack to an already high-energy night of basketball.
Meanwhile, the Bluegrass Pool in Levittown (30 Bluegrass Lane) will host its own celebration, featuring a DJ, music throughout the night, and a dedicated kids’ fun zone designed to make the event accessible for families. Inflatable attractions and activities will provide entertainment for younger fans while adults gather to watch the action unfold on a giant outdoor screen.
Both locations will open to fans beginning at 7:00 p.m., with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 p.m. The town encourages attendees to arrive early to secure viewing spots and enjoy pre-game festivities.
Town officials say the events are intended to create a shared community experience at a time when local sports enthusiasm is at a peak. The Knicks’ playoff run has reignited basketball passion across the region, and the watch parties are expected to draw strong crowds from across Nassau County and beyond. Ferretti’s announcement underscores a broader push by the Town of Hempstead to expand accessible public programming that brings residents together through sports, entertainment, and civic pride for free.
As Game 5 approaches, one message is already echoing through Knicks Nation: the energy is real, the stakes are high, and Long Island will be watching together.
